Spring structure



A ril 13, 1937. w 5, BR WN I2,077,036

vSPRING STRUCTURE Filed July 15, 1935 I INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 13, 1937 STATES.

PATENT OFFICE Leggett and Platt Spring Bedand' Manufactu'ring Company, Carthage, Mo,., ,a. corporation of Missouri Application July 15, 1935, Serial No. 31,376

3 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in spring structures.

It relates particularly to the type of spring structures in which mattresses, seat pads or cushions are disposed upon the top coils of upright coil springs, which coils are connected with ones adjacent to each other by crossed helical springs.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide novel means for supporting the mattress, pad

or cushion upon the coil springs, that will prevent the mattress, pad or cushion crowding downwardly into the top coils of the upright springs,

which will not damage the covers of the mattress,

pad or cushion,'which holds the coil springs securely in their proper positions without interfering with their resiliency, which equally distributes the load, which is simple, strong, durable, not likely to get out of order and is efiicient in operation.

The novel features of my invention are hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawing which illustrates my invention,

Fig. 1 is a top view showing my improved spring structure.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged top view, partly broken away, showing one of the cross-like supporting members connected by helical springs to the top coil of an upright coil spring.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of one of the cross-like supporting members.

Similar characters of reference designate similar parts in the different views.

In the type of spring structures to which this invention relates, the upright coil springs I are usually disposed in longitudinal and transverse rows, the top coils 2 of the springs having each connected to it one set of ends of .four helical springs 3, each of which crosses a similarhelical, which connects two other coils 2, and is connected to a top coil 2 in an adjacent row.

For preventing mattresses, pads or seat cushions, as the case may be, which are to be supported upon the top coils 2 from crowding downwardly therein, I provide as supporting means a cross-like member comprising, preferably, two flat strip like members 4, which are crossed at their middle portions at a desired angle, as at right angles, when the springs l are disposed in longitudinal and transverse rows at the same distance apart, the two members 4 then being rigidly fastened together by welding, soldering, riveting 55 or other suitable manner.

The members 4 thus fastened together provide an integral cross-like member having two pairs of projecting portions which are respectively extended axially substantial distances into one set of ends of four helical springs 3. The cross-like member is extended transversely across the top coil 2 of one of the springs I and is provided respectively through its projecting end portions with perforations 5.

The adjacent ends of the helical springs 3 have portions extended respectively through the perforations 5 and inwardly through and outwardly around the adjacent coil 2, Fig. 3, thereby securely fastening the cross-like member 4 to the adjacent top coil 2.

By extending the ends of the members 4 substantial distances into the helical springs 3 axially thereof, the ends of the members 4 are prevented from damaging the cover of the mattress, pad or cushion which is supported on the springs. By extending the helical springs through and around portions, as shown, of the perforated supporting members 4 and around the top coils of the springs, the parts are securely attached to each other and the strength of the whole structure increased.

By having the helical springs pass around and embrace portions of the members 4, other fastening means for the latter are not needed.

The helical springs 3 and the members 4 form an integral supporting surface that would be self supporting were all of the coil springs I, excepting the border ones removed.

If the springs are spaced different distances in the longitudinal rows from what they are in the transverse rows, the individual crossing members 4 may be disposed at an angle to suit the disposition of the springs before being welded.

The projecting portions of the members 4 and the crossed helical springs serve to prevent portions of the mattress, pad, or cushion supported by the springs from crowding downwardly between the springs.

Many modifications of my invention within the scope of the appended claims, may be made without departing from its spirit.

What I claim is;

1. In a spring structure of the kind described, the combination with the top coil of an upright coil spring and a helical spring having an end portion extending around and outwardly away from said coil, of a perforated supporting member extending across said coil and for a substantial distance outside the boundary of said coil and for a substantial distance into the adjacent end of said helical spring, said portion of the latter extending through said member and in an engagement which binds together said member and said coil.

2. In a spring structure of the kind described, the combination with the top coils of two upright coil springs and a helical spring having its end portions extending respectively around said coils, of two perforated supporting members extending in alinement with each other respectively across said coils for substantial distances into the ends of said helical spring and for substantial distances outside the boundaries respectively of said coils, said end portions of said helical spring extending respectively through said members and in an engagement which binds together said members and. said coils.

3. In a spring structure having upright coil springs arranged in rows and helical springs arranged in crossed pairs with their end portions respectively extending around the upper coils of the four adjacent upright springs between which said helical springs are located, the combination with said helical springs, of four supporting members extending respectively across said four upper coils for substantial distances respectively into the adjacent ends of said helical springs and for substantial distances outside the boundaries of said four coils, said end portions of said helical springs extending respectively through said members and in an engagement which binds together said members and said coils.

WILLIAM S. BROWN. 

